‘We have a demographic pit”: First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Oleksandr Kornienko on lowering the mobilisation age
The issue of the mobilisation age has become a topic of discussion not only in society but also among Ukraine’s international partners. Given the difficult conditions of war and the need to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces, this issue is particularly important. Some of Ukraine’s partners have expressed interest in the possibility of involving younger people in the defence of the state, in particular those under 25. However, according to the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Kornienko, the Ukrainian parliament is not currently discussing the possibility of lowering the age for mobilisation. The arguments boil down to the need to preserve the younger generation for the future reconstruction of the country, given the demographic problems. This aspect underlines the importance of the issue for the future of Ukraine.
The importance of preserving the younger generation
In an interview with Radio NV, Oleksandr Kornienko stressed that the Verkhovna Rada does not plan to lower the age for mobilisation again, as this could have a negative impact on the country’s long-term reconstruction. He noted that the parliament had recently decided to ban the mobilisation of citizens under the age of 25 who have limited fitness for service. This decision was made to eliminate legislative inconsistencies that could lead to erroneous conscription of young people.
Reasons for refusing to mobilise young people under 25
Kornienko stressed that even with some requests from partners to lower the age of mobilisation, the Verkhovna Rada does not consider this issue seriously. He explained that the involvement of young people under the age of 25 in the army during the war could have long-term negative consequences, as this generation is the ‘golden generation’ for rebuilding the country. These people, in his opinion, should become the basis for Ukraine’s economic recovery, take part in the creation of new infrastructure facilities, and restore cities and communities affected by the hostilities.
Position of international partners: Ukraine’s requests and explanations
According to Kornienko, international partners do not raise the issue of mobilising young people as a requirement or condition, but simply as a discussion of possibilities. They ask why Ukraine does not mobilise people under the age of 25, given that other countries have sometimes mobilised very young citizens during conflicts. However, Kornienko emphasises that the demographic situation in Ukraine is complex: the country is already suffering from a ‘demographic hole’, and further mobilisation of young people could make the situation even worse.
Demographic problems and a strategy for preserving the ‘golden generation’
Oleksandr Kornienko notes that young Ukrainians are the ‘golden generation’ that needs to be preserved to rebuild Ukraine after the war. According to him, Ukrainians have a unique situation compared to other countries where young people were mobilised in the past, as the demographic situation in Ukraine is deteriorating significantly. It is these people, who are now under the age of 25, who will become the basis for economic recovery, development of industrial and social spheres. The Vice Speaker stressed that Ukraine needs these citizens to build a new, strong state in the future.
